While in South Africa last month, I had the distinct pleasure of observing an elephant herd feeding. This group was gorging on the bark and roots of young trees. I watched as an adult elephant used its trunk and body weight to push a tree over.
Hard shove, release. Another shove, release.
The front leg goes out to scrape the ground, loosening the dirt around the roots.
Hard shove, release.
Repeat. Suddenly, the tree falls and exposes the tender juicy underground flesh.
As you drive around the reserve, it appears that the elephants cause major destruction as they thin the trees. Humans have long thought that was the case and blamed elephants for deforestation. Science now offers a different perspective, with evidence showing that elephants are also responsible for dispersing seeds and planting trees.
No elephants, no trees! Sometimes what appears as “destruction” is part of a grander plan that we don’t fully understand yet.
Saturn square Uranus: The Backdrop
For nearly two years, the planet Saturn has been squaring off with Uranus. We had three rounds of hard shove and release in 2021, and the fourth and final is occurring this month. Old vs. new, authority vs. anarchy, tradition vs. innovation—some things will topple while new seeds will be sown. This is the rhythm that accompanies us through October.
October Transits
The Moon is in Aries this weekend. Today (Oct 8) is good for getting things done, with an energetic boost from Jupiter.
The Full Moon on Sunday, Oct 9, is likely to be emotionally intense, bringing up past wounds or issues around power and control.
Starting Tuesday, Oct 11, tunes change quickly. From now through Oct 27, the Sun, Mercury, and Venus will hit a series of chords as they move through the latter part of the zodiac sign Libra. In turn, each will trine Saturn and then Mars. After the supportive trines, each faces off in a square with Pluto.
Be aware that rapid changes will happen, with unexpected developments You might find a barrier has simply disappeared, or a surprising new challenge shows up. Observe what happens and how you feel about it, but hold off making any serious decisions. With Mars square Neptune, the waters are murky. Our perspective might be warped, and outcomes are unclear.
Oct 15-16 is an excellent time to reflect on your values, needs, and priorities. What is required to nurture yourself and the people you love? Hold that close. Use the weekend for nourishment and comfort.
When the Moon moves into Leo on Oct 17, the Sun and Venus both trine Mars. This aspect is an energetic boost, and impulsive actions are hard to avoid. Keep in mind that whatever you do may cause drama when these planets square Pluto on Oct 19. Stay in alignment with your core values.
Oct 21-23 is a major turning point in the month. The Sun and Venus merge in the sky just before they both slip into Scorpio. This “cazimi” might bring clarity around women’s issues, relationships, or finances. With a heavy influence from Saturn, the events might be around restructuring roles and responsibilities or accountability for past actions.
Scorpio season begins Oct 23. Happy birthday to all my Scorpio friends! When the Moon joins the Sun and Venus there on Oct 25, we experience a Solar Eclipse. The Lunar Eclipse will follow on Nov 9, as they always come in pairs.
On Oct 28, Jupiter, still going retrograde, splashes back into his Pisces home. The final note of the month is Mars turning retrograde in Gemini on Oct 30.
Mars Retrograde in Gemini - the next 7 months
Where is the sign of Gemini in your birth chart? Do you have planets or important points there? If so, you’ve probably felt Mars’ influence recently. Mars “heats things up” and provides increased energy that can be expressed in many different ways.
For me, Mars transits often mean taking on a lot of chores. For other people, it might be a boost in physical or mental energy. Some notice heightened drives, competitive tendencies, or conflicts. Others experience bodily inflammation or injury. Factors in your unique birth chart shape how Mars energy shows up in your life.
Mars entered Gemini in August and has been slowly moving through the sign. As I write this newsletter on Oct 5, he is at the 22nd degree of Gemini. (There are 30 degrees in each sign.) The Mars retrograde begins at the 26th degree of Gemini.
From there, Mars retraces his steps back to the 9th degree, then turns to direct motion again. If you watch the sky, it would look like a giant Z in his path.
Mars won’t finish with Gemini until late March, so his influence there will linger for several months. There is also a strong Martial influence on placements in Sagittarius, Virgo, and Pisces. You might feel it inside yourself or by contact with external situations and people.
If you want to learn more about Mars in your chart and potential ways to work productively with this specific transit, book a Targeted Insights session. This gives us 30 minutes to dive into a specific issue and explore potential solutions or aids.
Golden Hours
Here are some cues for how to work with the upcoming transits. (Central Time)
Saturday, Oct 8: When the Moon enters Aries just before 11 am, get going! Start new projects, tackle the yard work, go play a game. Use your energy for good.
Monday, Oct 10: Enjoy a nice dinner with friends or family. The Moon in Taurus likes good food and drink, Mercury in Libra will help the conversation flow. It’s a lovely evening for rest and pleasure.
Thursday, Oct 13: Great for brainstorming or making quick connections.
Saturday, Oct 15: Take care of what needs done at home. Nourish your self and loved ones.
Tuesday, Oct 18: It’s spicy with Venus and Mars in a trine. Flirt with a stranger, go on a date, work up a sweat!
Saturday, Oct 22: Clarity and commitment are on tap. What do you want to commit to?
Friday, Oct 28: Jupiter and the Moon get a lift as Jupiter re-enters Pisces. Can you take the day off and do something that inspires you?
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